After two successful seasons as the head coach of Tulane University’s football team, Jon Sumrall has made the difficult decision to move on to a new challenge. He has accepted the head coaching role at the University of Florida, a move that has been met with mixed emotions from fans and players alike.
Sumrall’s departure comes as a surprise to many, as he had built a strong program at Tulane and had become a beloved figure among the Green Wave community. However, the opportunity to lead a powerhouse program like Florida was too good to pass up for the young coach.
The Gators had been in pursuit of former head coach Lane Kiffin for some time, but when he ultimately decided to join rival LSU, they turned their attention to Sumrall. And after careful consideration, he accepted the offer, knowing that it was a big upgrade for his career.
But as he prepares to embark on this new journey, Sumrall is not forgetting the place that gave him his first head coaching opportunity. In an emotional plea to Tulane fans, he expressed his gratitude and love for the university and its community.
“I want to thank Tulane for giving me the chance to lead this team for the past two seasons. It has been an incredible experience and I will always cherish the memories and relationships I have made here,” Sumrall said.
He also acknowledged the disappointment and hurt that his decision may have caused among the fans and players. But he assured them that it was not an easy decision for him and that he will always have a special place in his heart for Tulane.
“I understand that this may come as a shock to many of you, and I apologize for any pain or disappointment it may have caused. But please know that I have thought long and hard about this decision and it was not an easy one to make. I will always be grateful for the support and love I have received from the Tulane community,” Sumrall added.
The 44-year-old coach also addressed the financial aspect of his move, as Florida offered him a lucrative contract worth $44 million. He made it clear that while the financial aspect was certainly a factor, it was not the main reason for his decision.
“I won’t deny that the financial aspect of this move played a role, but it was not the driving force behind my decision. My main motivation is to take on a new challenge and continue to grow as a coach. And I believe that Florida is the perfect place for me to do that,” Sumrall explained.
As he prepares to take on the challenge of leading one of the top football programs in the country, Sumrall is confident that he will be able to make a positive impact at Florida, just as he did at Tulane.
“I am excited for this new chapter in my career and I am confident that I will be able to bring the same level of dedication and passion to the Gators as I did to the Green Wave. I am determined to make Florida proud and I hope to have the support of the Tulane community as well,” Sumrall said.
In conclusion, while it may be difficult for Tulane fans to see their beloved coach leave, they can take solace in the fact that he will always be a part of the Green Wave family. And as he embarks on this new journey, Sumrall will carry with him the lessons and experiences he gained at Tulane, making him a better coach for the Gators. Let us wish him all the best for his future endeavors and continue to support him in his new role at Florida.